Rectal swab procedure
A rectal swab is used to look for diseases or culture the bacteria
Below is the procedure
- Before you start it, explain the procedure to the patient and the attendees
- Wash hands with antibacterial soap and water or use the bactericidal hand solution.
- The patient can lay down on the bed on the side and pull the knees to the chest like a curling position. In younger children, you can ask then to lie prone on their tummy.
- Now pass the swab carefully through the anus to the rectum for just 1 centimetre
- Rotate during method
- Place the specimens in an appropriate container with the details of the patients and the type of specimen and send it to the lab
- Make sure you document it